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Introduction - Festivals of India Indian Festivals, celebrated by varied cultures and through their special rituals, add to the

colours of the Indian Heritage. Some festivals welcome the seasons of the year, the harvest, the rains, or the full moon. Others celebrate religious occasions, the birthdays of divine beings, saints, and gurus (revered teachers), or the advent of the New Year. A number of these festivals are common to most parts of India. However, they may be called by different names in various parts of the country or may be celebrated in a different fashion. Many festivals celebrate the various harvests; commemorate great historical figures and events, while many express devotion to the deities of different religions. Every celebration is centered around the rituals of prayer, seeking blessings, exchanging goodwill, decorating houses, wearing new clothes, music, dance and feasting. In India every region and every religion has something to celebrate. The festivals reflect the vigour and life-style of its people. Vibrant colours, music and festivity make the country come alive throughout the year. The emphasis laid on the different festivals differs in different parts of the country. For instance, Navaratri is celebrated with maximum fervour in West Bengal as compared to that in other parts of the country. Holi is celebrated with gusto in the north, and although it is also observed in the western and eastern parts of India, in the south it is almost unknown. There are also a few regional festivals like Pongal in Tamil Nadu; Onam in Kerala and the various other temple festivals devoted to the specific patron Gods and Goddesses of the temples, which are celebrated exclusively in those areas, which may be limited to one or a few villages. This galaxy of festivals that exist do contribute in inter-spicing Indian life with gaiety and colour as also in giving the country the distinction of having the maximum number of holidays. The portal for Festivals of India, www.FestivalsofIndia.in, is the stage drafted to endow the browser with rituals, traditions, legends held behind different festivals, vis--vis providing an interactive media to seek the suggestions, guidance and knowledge of our viewers. The portal has a month-wise listing of different festivals celebrated throughout India with great enthusiasm, from January to December schedule of all the festivals.

Pan India Internet Pvt. Ltd. has taken the initiative to provide www.FestivalsofIndia.in as one interactive platform that could open the door to the vivid festivals of India, providing the detailed information regarding the rituals, traditions and legends of the festivals.

DIWALI: FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS


Diwali or Deepawali or Dipawali is one the most important, hugely waited and immensely cherished festival celebrated across India and in parts of Nepal. Originally, the name was Deepawali, which has its origin from Sanskrit, meaning rows of Deep. Diwali also popularly known as Festival of Lights is celebrated with great gusto and is observed as an official holiday across in India. Importance: The festival of Diwali is not only significant to Hindus, but, has importance in Jainism, Buddhism, and Sikhism. For Hindus, it is associated with the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya, after his 14 years of exile and victory over the demon Ravana. On that day, he was welcomed to the kingdom to Ayodhya with rows of Deep, lightened throughout the kingdom. Thus, there is a tradition of lighting oil lamps that symbolize the victory of good over evil and freedom from spiritual darkness. Hindus, also make preparations to welcome goddess Lakshmi by drawing rangoli, and footsteps (Paduka) On the entrance that would allure goddess Laksmi to visit ones home and bring prosperity along with her. Customs: There are numerous customs and traditions associated with Diwali, namely, burning of crackers, playing cards, lightning of lamps, wearing new clothes, distribution of sweets, exchange of gifts etc.

A Five Day Festival: Diwali celebrations spread across five days, with each day having its own significance and set of rituals. The first day is called Dhanteras, on which new utensils and silver ware is brought to the house. The second day is called Chhoti Diwali, which normally involves preparation for the next day and the tradition of playing cards is observed in many families.

The next day, or third day is the Badi Diwali, which involves the worshiping of mother Lakshmi.The fourth day is the Govardhan Puja and finally the five days end with Bhai Dooj. The festival of Diwali is truly a Festival of Lights, as it not only involves lighting of Lamps but, it brings the light of happiness, togetherness, spiritual enlightment and prosperity for everyone. With the sounds of crackers killing all bad-omens, the lighted lampslighting the lives of people, the prayers and pujas creating an atmosphere full of goodness and purity, the festival of Diwali indeed fills the atmosphere with an aura of goodness and a heaven like atmosphere. Time to celebrate According to the Hindu calendar, the festival of Diwali is celebrated on the new moon day that marks the end of Ashwin and beginning of Kartik month.

BAISAKHI:
Baisakhi is a seasonal festival with a special accent. It is celebrated all over the State on the first of Baisakh. This is the time when harvest is gathered in and the farmer exults in the fulfillment of his year's hard work. He joins the merry-making with full gusto and does not mind walking for miles to be able to do so. Since this fair is also an expression of prosperity, singing and dancing constitute its most enchanting features. The Punjab's famous Bhangra and Giddha are inextricably linked with this festival. Baisakhi marks the beginning of New Year, particularly in the northern part of India. It is among the few Indian festivals that have a fixed date. Baisakhi is always on April 13th. In Kerala, Baisakhi is called as "Vishu" and in Tamil Nadu, it is celebrated as "Puthandu". In Punjab (the land of Green Revolution) particularly and in the northern belt of India in general, farmers perform their own prayers and rejoice. For on this day, they commence cutting their harvest. The fields can be seen full of nature's bounty. Dressed in their typical folk attire, both men and women, celebrate the day with Bhangra and Gidda. Sweets are distributed, old enmities are forgiven and life is full of joy, merriment and everyone seems to belong. The above two are the main reasons for celebrating Baisakhi. Baisakhi, however, has had a new dimension added to it by Guru Gobind Singh. For it was on the day of Baisakhi in 1669, that he established the Khalsa Panth and gave a final impetus to the course of the earlier nine Gurus of Sikhism. A rural festival of North India, marking the beginning of the solar year (New year), celebrated in Punjab with great fervor. For the Sikhs the day is a collective celebration of New Year along with the commemoration of the founding of the Khalsa Panth (Sikh brotherhood) by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699. It also signifies the end of harvest of the main crop. During Baisakhi the farmers give 'thanks' to the Lord Almighty for their fortune and pray for a better crop the next year. Baisakhi involves a lot of socializing where

friends and relatives are invited and delicious meals are served.

GANESH CHATURHTI:
Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated on the 4th day of the bright half of Bhadrapad. This festival marks the birthday of Lord Ganesh. Lord Ganesha or Ganpati is one of the most popular deities in the Hindu religion. It is worshiped by both Shaivites and Vaishnavites. Even Buddhists and Jains have faith for Ganpati. He is considered to be an avatar of both Shiva and Vishnu. On the occasion of the Ganapati festival, a large number of idols are made of clay or metal in all possible sizes; sometimes even up to twenty feet.

People buy idols of Lord Ganesha and install them in their houses and worship the idol for one to ten days, after which the idols are taken out ceremoniously, through the streets of the town (especially in Maharashtra) and immersed into the river, sea or well.

A cultural feast is held to coincide with Ganesh Chaturthi in Maharashtra especially at Pune. Classical dance, music performances, poetry recitations, folk dances, theatre and film festival are the main features of this festival. "Gan" = army, "Ish" = god or Ganpati, which means "The Lord of Hosts". There are a 108 names for ganesh. Origin of Ganesh Festival Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak, the Father of Indian Unrest, mobilised people through public Ganesh Utsav which was until then confined to the homes of the people and palaces of Maharajas. Hindus came together for the festival which became a source of political awakening against the British regime. At the crucial juncture of India's history when the nation indeed was under the yoke of slavery of the British, Lokmanya Tilak, who proclaimed "Swarajya is my birth-right and I'll have it" realising the importance of the massive popularity of this festival initiated its nationwide celebrations in 1893. Then it became a platform for political awakening and uprising among people to gain freedom from British imperialism. Ganesh Festival thus played a very important role in our Freedom Struggle.

Castes and creeds were forgotten as people organised the festivals with great enthusiasm. Mandals or organisations of people in every locality came into being to organise the annual event with fanfare. After Independence in 1947, these Mandals continued to celebrate the festival with vigour and devotion. Political overtones of pre-Independence era were replaced by activities for social good. Pune Mandals, some of them established way back in the last decade of the 19th century, continued to remain in the forefront in their social outlook. Mandals in Mumbai and other towns of Maharashtra have kept the spirit of festivity and sense of commitment to the society. They do organise daily events during the ten days of Ganesh Festival. Celebrations In Maharashtra there are eight famous Ganesh temples, which are places of pilgrimage and are visited by countless number of people every year with the faith that these visits wipe away all the sins and lead man to the ultimate truth, the Moksha. Lord Ganesh's images and pictures not only are seen presiding over the lintels of the doorways of many Hindu homes as heartiness of good luck out in hospitals private Nursing homes and clinics. Ganesh is looked upon as the god of good harvest and hence after his immersion clay is brought from the waterside and sprinkled into the farms and storerooms for luck & plenty. He is regarded as the protector and saviour of mankind from the menace of ghosts and demons. The most popular and colourful Ganesh festival is a wholesome occasion for ritual worship prayers, celebrations and hospitality. It also means cheer, goodwill and homemade sweets, spicy snacks and a variety of delicious preparations! One of the sweet dishes prepared during this festival is Modak . Modak is a ritual sweet dish, specially prepared on the day of Ganesh Chaturthi, which lasts for 10 days. For all these ten days, every day a special sweet dish is prepared in offering to the god and then distributed as prasad to the members of the family and friends. Ganesh Chaturthi is the first day on which Modaks are prepared. All the same, they can be prepared any day as sweet dish for the family. Gauri Pooja

Ganesha Festival is one of its kinds when mother and son both are worshipped together. The other name for Goddess Parvati, the mother of Ganesha is Gauri while in some areas like Pune, Goddess Gauri is considered as sister of Ganesha but the Goddess is worshipped with full devotion and welcomed home a day before Ganesha Chathurthi. Devotees believe that bringing home Goddess Gauri will bring them wealth and prosperity. Some regions consider Gauri Pooja as upasana of Goddess Lakshmi. Goddess Gauri is kept and worshipped for three days first day is the avahana, next day it is Satyanarayan puja and on the third day Gauri is immersed in water. The preparations for Gauri pooja are made in the same way as Ganpati, women mark foot steps of Goddess by using Rangoli (colorful powder) and then the idol of Goddess Gauri is brought home. Then at mahurat (auspicious timings), Naivedya (offering) is presented before Goddess and the ritual is followed by singing aarti (holy song) and praying to Goddess for health, wealth, success and prosperity.

ID UL ZUHA
Id-ul-Zuha also called Id-ul-Adha in Arabic and Bakr-Id in the Indian subcontinent, because of the tradition of sacrificing a goat or 'bakr' in Urdu. The word 'id' derived from the Arabic 'iwd' means 'festival' and zuha comes from 'uzhaiyya' which translates to 'sacrifice'. On this day Muslims sacrifice a goat or Bakr (Urdu) to commemorate the sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim, who willingly agreed to kill his son at the behest of God. This festival coincides with the Haj pilgrimage in Mecca. Prayers are offered in the mosques and the sacrificial meat is then distributed after the Id prayers. Special delicacies are prepared and served among family and friends on the occasion. Significance: Also called Bakrid, Id-ul-Zuha, is a festival of great rejoice. Special prayers and exchange of greetings and gifts marked the Id-ul-Zuha (Bakrid), the festival of sacrifice, celebrated with traditional fervour and gaiety in India. Id-ul-Zuha is a reminder of Prophet Ibrahim's readiness to sacrifice his son for God's sake. It also marks the completion of Haj (pilgrimage to Mecca). On this day, special `Dua' is recited by thousands of Muslims for peace and prosperity.The day also coincides with the day when the holy Quran was declared complete. Legends: The festival of Bakrid is a commemoration of Hazrat Ibrahim's great test of obedience to Allah, who ordered him to sacrifice the person dearest to him. Ibrahim decided to sacrifice his son Ismail, at Mina, near Mecca. As the great religious leader was on the point of applying the sword to the throat of his dear son, it was revealed to him that the exercise was merely a test of his faith in Allah, and that he could sacrifice a ram instead. When is Id-ul-Zuha celebrated? Id-ul-Zuha is celebrated from the tenth to the twelfth day of Zil hijja.

Also, Id-ul-Zuha or Eid al-Adha annually falls on the 10th day of the month of Dhul Hijja of the lunar Islamic calendar. The festivities last for three days or more depending on the country. Eid al-Adha occurs the day after the pilgrims conducting Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia by Muslims worldwide, descend from Mount Arafat. It happens to be approximately 70 days after the end of the month of Ramadan.

Rituals: The Festival of Id-ul-Zuha or Bakrid is celebrated with great enthusiasm among Muslims all over the world. The day normally starts with men and women dressing in the best outfits and proceeding towards Mosque. On Id-ul-Zuha, special `Dua` (prayer) is recited by thousands of Muslims for peace andprosperity. The wealthy are expected to sacrifice one animal per family and distribute two-thirds of the meat among poor. Those who cannot afford it, one animal per family can be offered. Very poor, seven or seventy families together offer one animal. A full-grown camel, cow, goat or sheep, free from disease, is considered the best offering. The sacrifice can be offered at any time before the afternoon of the third day. In India, too, goats and sheep are sacrificed all over the country and prayers are offered. Followed with the food sacrifice and charity to poor Muslims greet each other with Eid Mubarak and visit the houses of relatives and friends. Special delicacies are prepared and served among family and friends on the occasion. Gifts are also exchanged on this auspicious day.

NAVRATRI:
Navratri, the festival of nine nights is dedicated to Goddess Durga and her nine forms. According to the Hindu calendar, Navratri begins from the first day of the bright fortnight of Ashwin which usually coincides with the end of the rainy season. The nine days have great religious significance as Goddess Durga, the divine mother, had destroyed the evil force (in the form of the demon Mahisashura) during this period. The festival is celebrated with true devotion and purity all over the country. People from various sections of the society irrespective of caste and creed celebrate this festival by visiting temples and offering pujas at the Mothers feet. In some places special puja samarohas are also held by setting the images of Mother Durga on beautifully decorated pandals. Temples dedicated to Shakti also make arrangement for pujas and bratas to mark these nine days as true symbols of devotion and adoration towards the divine mother. Legends Navaratri is an amalgamation of various themes, with the common theme of the victory of good over evil. According to some legends, Vijayadashami or Dusshera is celebrated on the day Lord Ram kills Ravana. According to a Puranic legend, the mighty demon Mahishasura defeated the gods and their king,Indra. They then approached Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwar, who decided to destroy the demon. So they all combined their energies, and gave rise to Shakti and appealed to Goddess Durga to come to their aid.

Equipped with lethal weapons and riding a ferocious lion, the Goddess in all her awesome majesty, destroyed the evil one without much ado. The 10th day, on which the goddess kills Mahishasura, is celebrated as Dusshera or Vijayadashami as the victory of good over evil. Dusshera

(tenth day) is one of the significant Hindu festivals, celebrated with pomp and fervor all over the country. On the tenth day, the Vijayadasmi day, colossal effigies of Ravana, his brother Kumbhkarna and son Meghnadh are placed in vast open spaces. Rama, accompanied by Sita and his brother Lakshmana, arrive and shoot arrows of fire at these effigies. The result is a deafening blast, enhanced by slogans of triumph. In burning the effigies the people are asked to burn the evil within them, and thus follow the path of virtue and honesty. On this day in the famous Ramleela grounds in Delhi, huge effigies of the ten-headed demon king Ravana, Meghanath, his son, and Kumbhakarna, his brother, stuffed with explosive materials are torched by an arrow to symbolize the ultimate triumph of good over evil.

Celebrations The festival is also celebrated with intense fervor and zest, in whole of India, in the form of Durga Puja. The vibrant festivities last for ten days, of which nine nights are spent in worship. But the celebrations vary from place to place. Navratri puja Navratri is celebrated twice in a year.One after the festival of Holi in the month of Chaitra Shukla Paksha from Ekam (First day) to Navmi (Ninth day). These are called Vasanth Navratri. In this, prayers are offered to Lord Vishnu. Once before Dussehra in the month of Ashwin Shukla Paksha on Ekam (first Day) to Navmi (9th day). These are called Sharadeeya Navratri. In these nine days of Navratri, we pray to Durga Maa. On the eight day of this Navratri, Durga Maa was born, hence her puja on this day is of special significance. These nine days also have a special significance for unmarried girls.

Nine days of Navratri

First Day The first day is dedicated to the Goddess Durga is called Shailputri, the daughter of the Himalayas. She is a form of Shakti, the companion of Lord Shiva. Second Day The second day is dedicated to the Goddess Durga is known as 'Brahmacharini'. The name is derivative of the word 'Brahma', which means 'Tapa' or penace. She is also a form of Mata Shakti. Third Day The third day is dedicated to the goddess Chandraghanta, the symbolic representation of beauty and bravery. Navratri.

Fourth Day The fourth day is dedicated to the goddess Kushmandas, the creator of the entire Universe. Fifth Day The fifth day is dedicated to the Goddess Skand Mata, the mother of the chief warrior of the Gods army the Skanda. Sixth Day The sixth day is dedicated to the goddess Katyayani with three eyes and four hands. Seventh Day The seventh day is dedicated to the Goddess 'Kalratri', meant to make the devotees fearless. Eighth Day The eight day is dedicated to the Mata Rani or 'Maha Gauri', represents calmness and exhibits wisdom.

Ninth Day The ninth day is dedicated to Durga also referred as Siddhidatri. It is believed that she has all the eight siddhis and is worshipped by all the Rishis and Yogis. Recipes India is the land of festivals and festivals bring time to enjoy with family and friends, Delicious and mouth watering food adds another star to the level of enjoyment. Navratri is a festival, which is celebrated for nine days. Therefore, ample varieties of dishes are prepared during this festival. There is a practice of observing fast during navratri in many regions of India and even pure satvik food is taken that is vegetarian and without onion and garlic. Following are few recipes for dishes, which can be prepared during nine days festival. Sobudana Puri Gujrati Kadhi Vrat ke chawal Aval kesari Singhare ka Halwa

RAKSHA BANDHAN:
Raksha Bandhan is celebrated on the full moon day of the month of Shravan (August).

Rakshabandhan or Rakhi which is celebrated on a full moon day in the month of Sravan (August) is a day when brothers and sisters reaffirm their bonds of affection. It is usually a festival of the Hindus though today people from different religions participate as well.

Sisters tie colourful threads or rakhis on their brother's wrists. The brothers in turn promise to protect their sisters and give them gifts. Around mid-August, on Shravan Purnima, Hindus all over celebrate Raksha Bandhan. "Raksha" means protection, "bandhan" means bound or binding. The festival is also known as Balev.Raksha Bandhan is celebrated in different forms in different areas and it is also known by the names like rakhi, rakhri and saluno. Sisters tie a special band on their brothers' wrist on the day of Rakhi as a mark of affection. This thread, which pulsates with sisterly love and sublime sentiments, is rightly called the 'Rakhi'. It is a way of telling your brother that you will never forget how he teased you about everything, yet fought with those who spoke a single word against you and how you bid him farewell with a smile, and only he saw those tear drops in your eyes.

As per the traditions, the sister on this day prepares the pooja thali with diya, roli, chawal and rakhis. She worships the deities, ties Rakhi to the brother(s) and wishes for their well-being. The brother in turn acknowledges the love with a promise to be by the sisters' side through thick and thin and gives her a token gift. Raksha Bandhan tightens the bond of love between the sister and brother. The practice of tying thread was prevalent among the Rajputs and our history is full of instances related to the significance of this tradition. At the time of war when the brave Rajput soldiers prepared to go to the battlefield, the women folk followed the ritual of tying a thread around their wrist after applying a dash of vermilion powder on their forehead. This was considered a sign of good omen and the ladies believed that it

would protect their men from the enemy's blow and bring them victory. Today children and women all around the country filling the soldiers with the zest to protect them against the dangers of the enemy tie Rakhi on the wrists of soldiers.

Rakshabandhan if taken in true sense has a much broader perspective; the festival encompasses true sense of peace and brotherhood. The values propagated by the occasion if inculcated by all human beings can bring the much-needed relief from the ongoing violence and mistrust. The rich Indian mythology provides a religious reason to celebrate the day in a specific way. Many epics are related to the day and the origin of Raksha Bandhan. The festival finds a mention in most of the epics and its origin can be traced back to the mythological Pouranik times.

SIGNIFICANCES OF RAKSHA BANDHAN: Though now it is considered as a brother and sister festival, it was not always so. There have been examples in history where in rakhi has just been a raksha or protection. It could be tied by wife, a daughter or mother. The Rishis tied rakhi to the people who came seeking their blessings. The sages tied the sacred thread to themselves to safe guard them from the evil. It is by all means the 'Papa Todak, Punya Pradayak Parva' or the day that bestows boons and ends all sins as it is mentioned in the scriptures. Rakhi for many centuries encompassed the warmth shared between the siblings but now it goes way beyond it. Some tie rakhi to neighbors and close friends signifying a peaceful co-existence of every individual. Congregations like Rakhi Utsavs, popularized by Rabindranath Tagore, promote the feeling of unity and a commitment to all members of society to protect each other and encourage a harmonious Social life. The day has a deeper perspective in today's scenario. The occasion holds for a life long pledge to practice moral, spiritual and cultural values. The values and the sentiments attached to the rituals of this festival are worth inculcating by the whole human race, the sentiments of harmony and peaceful coexistence.

Raksha Bandhan assumes all forms of Raksha or protection, of righteousness and destroyer of all sin. The rakhi tying ritual has become so much a part of the families that come what many brothers and sisters try to reach out to each other on this particular day bringing back the oneness of the family, binding the family together in an emotional bond.

Holi - The Festival of Colours


Holi the Festival of Colors is marked as the opening festival in Hindu calendar, falls on the full moon day in the month of Phalgun. People enjoy themselves playing with several colours and celebrate the whole day with much pump and gaiety.

Originally Holi was regarded to be the festival to celebrate good harvests and fertility of the land. There are several legends and stories behind Holi. A popular legend says that Holi is remembered for the sacrifice of Holika who burnt herself in fire on this day. Holi is therefore regarded one of the most ancient festivals of the Aryans who finds an honored mention in our old Sanskrit texts like Dashakumar Charit and Garud Puran. Even the play "Ratnavali" written by Harshdev states a delightful description of Holi as a festival. In those days this very festival was celebrated as "Vasantotsav". Latter everybody started calling it "MADANOTSAV". Celebration of Holi festival is characterized by performing Holi puja as per Hindu tradition. Dhuleti, which falls day after Holi Puja, is considered to be the actual festival of colors. Children and youngsters vie with each other use fast and sticky colors to celebrate Holi. It is all fun and joy for them. Holi Celebrations Holi commences about ten days before the full moon of the month called Phalgun (February-March); but it is usually observed for the last three or four days, terminating with the full moon. Along with Holi, the spring season also arrives which is marked as an auspicious season for the Hindus. In this season, all the tesu and other trees are filled with sweet smelling flowers. They all proclaim the glory and everlasting beauty of God and inspire you with hope, joy and a new life and leave you with the thought to find out yourself that; who is the actual creator behind them.

Holi is known by the name of "Kamadahana" in South India, which refers to the day on which Kamadev (Cupid) was burnt by Lord Shiva (as told above in legends of holi). In North India, a tradition is followed on the

eve of Holi- huge bundles of woods are accumulated and burnt at night mainly in temples. On the other day, people play Holi (colorful) joyfully with colored water. Almost everywhere one can hear the shouts and laughter of people shouting "Holi-hai! Holi-hai!" People gather in the streets and pump colored water over the body and clothes even to the strangers who pass by, no matter whether he/she is rich or poor. There is no restriction on this day. People compose and sing special Holi songs (famous bollywood songs) to mark this occasion. During Holi festival, people clean up their houses by burning all dirty articles in and around the house in the fire. According to them, this practice destroys disease-breeding bacteria and the sanitary condition of the locality is also improved. Holi is aptly called the festival of color and joy. Its spirit is uniquely Indian, colorful, exotic, happiness and full of energy. Holi is celebrated by everybody. People prepare special recipes on Holi day. Before few days they start cooking (preparing) many delicacies for this day namely Gujia, Papri and Kanji ke Vade. There are some necessary customs attached to this festival, where firstly, Hindus invite their sons-in-law and their families for a meal on Holi. When the meal is over, it is necessary to give the sons-in-law, what is known as a 'pyala' - a crisp note of any denomination from rupees five to rupees five hundred is offered along with a glass of drink. Secondly, Married daughters on the other hand; are given what is called 'kothli' by their mother-in-law. Other custom is performed by the new bride along with the children of the family. Here the new bride is supposed to play a prank on the older couples of the family, where the bride somehow tempts them so that they enter the room and she can lock them in. Then she demands a present for setting them free from the closed room. The bride is supposed to sing a song specially composed by her on this happy occasion, in which (song) she demands her ransom.

HOLI SWEETS - GUJIA & KANJI KE VADE The one delicacy which gets its fame from Holi is the GUJIA. It is a northern sweet dish savored popular amongst the people. PLAYING WITH COLOURS - BURA NA MAANO HOLI HAI! This dialogue - 'Bura Na Maano Holi Hai', is a customary dialogue on

Holi. This means that you cannot say no to anyone who wants to put colours on you on Holi! Holi is generally played with - GULAAL, however a lot of artificial & natural colours are also available in the market. 'BHANG' - THE FLAVOUR OF HOLI 'Bhang Ka Rang Jamavat....' - Can you recall anything?? Yes!! The ever so loved - Bhang - the Holi Favourite! Bhang is a preparation from the leaves and flowers of the female cannabis plant. It is used as a beverage on Holi and is widely consumed with milk (Thandai) on Holi.

DUSSEHRA:
In the months of Ashwin and kartik, Hindus observe a 10 day ceremony of fast, rituals, celebrations, fiests to honor the mother Goddess and triumph of Lord Rama over Demon Ravana. Dussehra also symbolizes the triumph of warrior Goddess Durga over the buffalo demon, Mahishasura. Thus, it is a celebration of victory of good over evil. This celebration starts from Navratri and ends with the tenth day festival of Dussehra. Navratri and Dussehra is celebrated throughout the country at the same time, with varying rituals, but with great enthusiasm and energy as it marks the end of scorching summer and the start of winter season. The tenth day after Navratri is called Dussehra, on which number of fairs are organized throughout the northern India, burning effigies of Ravana.It is also called Vijayadashmi as this day marks the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana. VijayaDashami is considered to be an auspicious day for the Indian householder, on which he worships, protects and preserves 'Shakti' (power). According to Scriptures, by worshipping the 'Shakti' on these nine-days the householders attain the threefold power i.e. physical, mental and spiritual, which helps him to progress in life without any difficulty. The 'Ramlila' - an enactment of the life of Lord Rama, is held during the nine days preceding Dussehra. On the tenth day (Dussehra or Vijay Dasami), larger than life effigies of Ravana, his son and brother Meghnadh and Kumbhakarna are set to fire. The theatrical enactment of this dramatic encounter is held throughout the country in which every section of people participates enthusiastically. In burning the effigies the people are asked to burn the evil within them, and thus follow the path of truth and goodness, bearing in mind the instance of Ravana, who despite all his might and majesty was destroyed When is Dussehra? Dussehra is the last day of Navratri; it falls on the 10th day of the waxing moon during the Hindu month of Ashvin (around September or October). Dussehra in 2009 is on 17 th of October.

RITUALS: There are different rituals followed in different parts of India. Durga Puja:

Goddess Durga killed the demon Mahishasur during this time, representing the victory of good over evil. During all nine days of Navratri and Dussehra, people worship Goddess Durga. Durga Visarjan: In the eastern parts of the country, particularly in West Bengal, Durga Puja celebrations precede Dussehra. On the tenth day of the Pooja, that is, the day of Vijayadashmi, idol of Goddess Durga is immersed into the nearby river or lake, by the devotees. The devotees bid the farewell to the deity very ceremoniously; this custom is called 'Visarjan'. In the region, Vijayadashmi is celebrated to commemorate the victory of Goddess Durga over Mahishasura the demon. Vidyarambam In the Southern states of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerela,the tenth day or Vijayadashmi is also the day of Vidyarambam (beginning of study).People generally worship Goddess Saraswati,(Goddess of Wisdom), on Vijayadashmi. The day normally starts with puja of books and learning materials. It is considered very auspicious to start any form of learning on this day. Sindur Khela: In the state of West Bengal, married women play among themselves with vermilion (sindur) as a part of Dussehra ritual. Weapon worship: There is also a ritual of worshipping, weapons, pens, and other instruments that are a symbol of fighting injustice. Wagtail search:

In some parts of India there is a ritual of finding a wagtail on Dussehra day. If one is able to find a wagtail among flowers, elephants, cows, horses, snakes- it symbolizes good-luck. While if it is found in ashes, bones, then it is believed that an evil will follow, for which medicinal bath is taken Worship- instruments of Profession: Across North India, this time is considered very auspicious to polish ones professional instruments. Drivers, clean and polish their trucks and buses. They put Roli and draw swastika on them. This ritual is also performed in army and other forces. Banni leaves collection: In parts of Uttar Pradesh ,this festival is associated with the ancient legend of the young Brahmin boy Kautsa's act of distributing gold coins among the poor people .Thus, people of Uttar Pradesh, collect leaves of Banni trees, calling them gold and using them to greet their friends and relatives. During this time people decorate the entrance of their houses with torans, and flower studded strings. The leaves of the Apta tree are collected and exchanged among friends and relatives as gold. IMPORTANCE: The main importance and significance of the festival of Dussehra is the rise of good over evil. There are many legends behind the celebration of Dussehra, all depicting that ultimately its the good that wins. Among Hindus, Lord Rama is considered to have a culmination of all the best qualities that a human can possess, required to make this world a happy place. Both the festivals of Diwali and Dussehra are celebrated in honor of Lord Rama and his morals. Dussehra is the tenth day of Navratri, in the month of Ashwin-kartik, while Diwali is celebrated 20 days ahead of Dussehra. Lord Rama emerged victorious in a ferocious battle against Ravana who had abducted Sita. Inspite of all powers that Ravana possessed, it was ultimately the good intensions of Lord Rama that saw the face of Victory. This is generally depicted on the day of Dussehra by burning the effigies of Ravana and Lord Ramas bow that kills him. People every year on this day get the moral of leading a righteous life.

Dussehra also marks the day when Goddess Durga killed the demon Mahishasura. She had fought a long and ferocious battle against him, who had the boon of not getting harm with weapons. Ultimately, it was the good Goddess Durga who won on this day after a 10 day long battle.

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